Campaign by Story
Forest gardens
Forest gardens (also known as food forests) are long term sustainable integrated growing systems including trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals and fungi. They produce food or other crops while being highly resilient to pests, diseases and weather extremes; and at the same time storing a large amount of carbon. In the light of the climate crisis leading to a rapid increase in extreme weather events, the need for forest gardens has never been greater.
For a quick overview of forest gardens and how important they are, view this short video of Martin at Dartington, which won a National Geographic award:
Forest garden at Dartington
We started our 2 acre forest garden in Dartington in 1994 from a grass field, and in that time it has become a highly biodiverse system which supplies numerous crops whilst also being very nature friendly.
Over the last 32 years, some 50,000 people have visited the forest garden from all over the world, we've run over 1000 tours and 100 courses, and the garden has inspired Martin Crawford's books including Creating a Forest Garden which has sold over 100,000 copies. It is probably the most well known forest garden worldwide, and has inspired thousands of new forest gardens. Research has been conducted there that shows how valuable it is to wildlife while still being productive and storing a lot of carbon.
In 2025 the garden was under threat when we were given notice to quit by our landlords. The protest petition site at change.org gained 35,000 signatures and helped stop the immediate threat.
The great news is that we now have the opportunity to purchase the forest garden which will safeguard it in perpetuity!
We have already raised some of the funds, but are looking to raise £100,000 to meet the total needed to cover the sale price and legal fees. Whatever you can afford, it will all help and you will know that you have contributed to securing the forest garden for future generations. If you are a UK taxpayer then we can also claim Gift Aid on your donation.
FAQ
Who will own the forest garden?
It will be owned by the Agroforestry Research Trust, a registered charity. By being owned by a charity the ownership and future of the forest garden are not dependent on the whims of a landlord or on any particular person.
What happens if you exceed the target?
Any additional funds will be used by the ART for future investment in our projects.
What happens if you don't meet the target?
We have the time available to extend the campaign if necessary so that we can reach the target.